In order to track the lions each collar contains:

1. A Global Positioning System (GPS) unit that calculates the exact location of the collar
2. A memory that stores the location information on the collar
3. An Iridium satellite transceiver that is used to send or receive data wherever the collar might be in the world.

Where did we get these collars?

These collars were manufactured by Vectronic Aerospace and are “GPS Plus Iridium-3”models. Its been designed to use the 66 Iridium low-earth-orbit satellites. The collars will automatically transmit locations using the satellite network. In the unusual event that there is no coverage, the collars attempt to resend the data later. New schedules or advanced configurations can be uploaded via the satellite network too. If you have technical questions about the collar, or would like one for your pet cat, bear, moose, musk ox, elephant, etc then please email  Vectronic Aerospace or visit their website.

How could you, as a non-profit organisation afford to use this equipment and construct this website?

The collars have been donated by the manufacturer and two sponsors. We are only paying for the subscription to the data feed. This site was built entirely from free software. The server storage space has been donated, and the development of the site was carried out by volunteers.

What is the point of this site?

This site is to be used as a tool to inform conservationists across the ecosystem of lion presence quickly and efficiently. It is also our way of showing the world what we’re doing, and to appeal for donations for our research and community-based conservation initiatives. If you like what you see, read more about the lions of Maasailand here, and consider hitting the donate button!